How to Make Slime: The Ultimate DIY Guide for Kids & Adults

Slime is not just a gooey toy — it’s a wildly popular DIY project that’s taken the internet by storm. From kids’ science experiments to stress-relieving fidget toys for adults, slime is here to stay. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make slime at home using easy recipes, simple ingredients, and helpful tips to get the perfect texture every time.

Whether you’re making slime for fun, as a sensory activity, or even planning to start a small slime business, this article will cover everything you need.

Table of Contents

• Why Make Slime?
• Basic Ingredients for Slime
• 5 Easy Slime Recipes
• Common Slime Problems & Fixes
• Is Slime Safe? Safety Tips
• How to Store Slime
• Fun Ways to Play with Slime
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Why Make Slime?

There’s something incredibly satisfying about slime. It’s stretchy, squishy, and relaxing to play with. Kids love slime because it’s like a toy they get to make themselves. Adults enjoy slime too, using it as a stress-reliever or creative hobby. Plus, it’s a fantastic science activity that shows the magic of chemical reactions.

Want more fun home activities? Check out our DIY crafts section.

Basic Ingredients for Slime

Most slime recipes use just a few common household items. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• White PVA glue (school glue) — forms the base of your slime.
• Borax powder or liquid starch — acts as an activator.
• Water — helps adjust consistency.
• Food coloring — for fun colors.
• Optional: shaving cream (for fluffy slime), lotion (for stretchy slime), glitter, or foam beads.

Note: If you’d prefer a borax-free slime, don’t worry — we’ve included several options below!

5 Easy Slime Recipes

1. Classic Borax Slime

This is the go-to slime that most people start with.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white glue
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon borax powder dissolved in 1 cup warm water
• Food coloring

Instructions:

1. Mix glue and ½ cup water in a bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring.
2. Slowly pour in the borax solution while stirring. It will start to clump up.
3. Knead it by hand until it’s no longer sticky.

2. Fluffy Slime (With Shaving Cream)

Want super puffy slime? Shaving cream is the secret.

• ½ cup glue
• 3 cups shaving cream
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon saline solution (contact lens solution)
• Food coloring

Mix glue, shaving cream, baking soda, and coloring. Add saline solution slowly, stirring until fluffy slime forms.

3. Clear Slime (No White Glue)

Use clear glue instead of white for a crystal look. Perfect for adding glitter or beads.

4. Cornstarch Slime (Borax-Free)

Super simple slime with no borax — safe for little kids.

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup dish soap

Mix together until it reaches a slime consistency. If too dry, add a bit more soap.

5. Edible Marshmallow Slime

Fun and safe to taste (but still better to play with).

• 6 large marshmallows
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Powdered sugar

Microwave marshmallows & oil 30 sec. Stir, let cool a bit, knead with powdered sugar until stretchy.

Common Slime Problems & How to Fix Them

Slime too sticky? Add a tiny bit more activator (borax solution or saline).
Slime too stiff? Knead in a little warm water or lotion.
Slime won’t form? Check that you used the right type of glue and activator.

Is Slime Safe? Important Safety Tips

Homemade slime is generally safe if you follow the recipes properly and avoid ingesting it. Always supervise young kids, wash hands after playing, and keep slime out of carpets and hair.

For more on slime safety, visit this external guide from Poison Control.

How to Store Slime

Keep your slime in an airtight container or zip bag. Stored properly, slime can last 1-2 weeks or longer. If it dries out, try kneading in a little water or lotion to revive it.

Fun Ways to Play with Slime

Beyond squeezing and stretching, try:

• Adding small toys for a sensory treasure hunt
• Mixing two slime colors together for a marble effect
• Making slime bubbles by blowing air into it with a straw

FAQs About Making Slime

Can I make slime without glue?

Yes! Try cornstarch + dish soap or marshmallow slime for glue-free options.

Why is my slime so hard?

Too much activator. Next time, add it slowly. You can try softening it with lotion or warm water.

What’s the best slime for little kids?

We recommend cornstarch slime since it’s non-toxic and borax-free.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make slime at home is a fun way to combine creativity, science, and play. Try different recipes, colors, and textures until you find your favorite. Most importantly — enjoy the process!

If you loved this guide, explore our DIY crafts library or see our recommended glue picks for slime.

Happy sliming!